Marion is set to be the future basketball capital of South Australia, with the council endorsing plans to build a brand new basketball stadium. A new five-court facility has been proposed to replace the current stadium at Norfolk Road with construction earmarked for 2026.
“We recognise that the existing facility at Norfolk Road is in desperate need of an upgrade,” Mayor of Marion Kris Hanna said. The existing Marion Basketball Stadium is over 50 years old and no longer meets the functional requirements of the sport.
“As basketball’s popularity continues to grow, now is the right time for Council to address the needs of players across Adelaide’s southern region.”
The South Adelaide Basketball Club (SABC) has been campaigning for a new facility to meet the needs of their ever-growing membership base, currently composing of 2259 members. The club currently utilises 31 indoor courts per week and only 7 are at council-owned facilities.
With the SABC forecasted growth projections predicting a potential to increase its membership numbers to over 6000 players in 10 years’ time. This stadium is a much-needed initiative for players and basketball fans alike.
SABC currently has 70 district and 88 domestic teams and is the largest junior club in South Australia. The objectives of SABC are to provide the opportunity and pathway for district player to achieve success beyond district basketball, create the opportunity for players of all ages and abilities to play basketball, maintain strong sustainable financial viability, and develop basketball within the Marion and surrounding areas. With the development of this stadium, clubs like SABC will be able to operate to their full potential.
Image Sourced: South Adelaide Basketball Club FaceBook
Federal Government funding of $6 million was secured for the project in April 2022. The design footprint of the new stadium will encapsulate the site currently leased by the Marion Tennis Club. The Marion City Council has been in talks with SABC and Tennis SA and is working through a solution for the club’s small number of members. Council is engaging with all relevant stakeholders and nearby residents in relation to the proposed facility.
These exciting plans will allow for the basketball stars of tomorrow to develop the skills to shine at a global scale. This is a slam dunk for the City of Marion and sports fanatics alike. An initial concept design will be available for public consultation in late 2024.
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